Blockchain architecture adoption in supply chain management: A dematel-based analysis of critical factors

The uprising of blockchain technology has recently become a trend owing to its prowess to reform the governance of supply chains, offering improved levels of data transparency, traceability, and efficient workflow. The objective drawn on this research is to examine the key determinants that impact the adoption as well as applicability of blockchain technology within the supply chain management context. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) model is tested in this study to inspect and fathom the complex relationships between these components, thereby uncovering their respective significance and interrelationships. The results derived from this study contribute vital insights into the ever-changing landscape of blockchain adoption, with a particular focus on key factors comprising technical competencies, IT infrastructure, interoperability, compatibility, and complexity. The research based on DEMATEL methodology reveals both direct and indirect influences, facilitating a more comprehensive comprehension of these crucial variables. This study is an invaluable resource for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and organizations seeking to embrace blockchain technology into supply chain operations. This study’s original intent is to frame an extensive analysis of the key aspects and their interrelationships, offering valuable insights for making well-informed decisions. The overarching aim is to facilitate the seamless assimilation of blockchain architecture into supply chain management systems, promoting effectiveness along with harmony

Nonclassicality generated by photon annihilation-then-creation and creation-then-annihilation operations

We examine nonclassical properties of the field states generated by applying the photon annihilation-then-creation operation (AC) and creation-then-annihilation operation (CA) to the thermal and coherent states. Effects of repeated applications of AC and of CA are also studied. We also discuss experimental schemes to realize AC and CA with a cavity system using atom-field interactions.Comment: To be published in Journal of the Optical Society of America

The role of cybersecurity on the performance of Malaysian higher education institutions

Cybersecurity, as a security management requirement, is essential to understanding data security in higher institutions. This study aims to explore the role of cybersecurity in the performance of Malaysian higher education institutions through semi-structured qualitative interviews with 10 cybersecurity risk management officers from 10 public universities. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify the themes and sub-themes that revealed the strengths and deficiencies of the current cybersecurity frameworks. Results showed that cybersecurity implementation is considered a successful innovation in Malaysian universities and has contributed to protecting the data of students and staff, which in turn allowed the universities to improve their reputation. This study contributed significantly to the understanding of the performance and applicability of cybersecurity in universities. It showed the efficient use of resources, identification and detection of risk exposures, and improved cybersecurity communication between the technical team and top management are essential for a good decision making process

Statistical modeling reveals the effect of absolute humidity on dengue in Singapore

Weather factors are widely studied for their effects on indicating dengue incidence trends. However, these studies have been limited due to the complex epidemiology of dengue, which involves dynamic interplay of multiple factors such as herd immunity within a population, distinct serotypes of the virus, environmental factors and intervention programs. In this study, we investigate the impact of weather factors on dengue in Singapore, considering the disease epidemiology and profile of virus serotypes. A Poisson regression combined with Distributed Lag Non-linear Model (DLNM) was used to evaluate and compare the impact of weekly Absolute Humidity (AH) and other weather factors (mean temperature, minimum temperature, maximum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and wind speed) on dengue incidence from 2001 to 2009. The same analysis was also performed on three sub-periods, defined by predominant circulating serotypes. The performance of DLNM regression models were then evaluated through the Akaike's Information Criterion. From the correlation and DLNM regression modeling analyses of the studied period, AH was found to be a better predictor for modeling dengue incidence than the other unique weather variables. Whilst mean temperature (MeanT) also showed significant correlation with dengue incidence, the relationship between AH or MeanT and dengue incidence, however, varied in the three sub-periods. Our results showed that AH had a more stable impact on dengue incidence than temperature when virological factors were taken into consideration. AH appeared to be the most consistent factor in modeling dengue incidence in Singapore. Considering the changes in dominant serotypes, the improvements in vector control programs and the inconsistent weather patterns observed in the sub-periods, the impact of weather on dengue is modulated by these other factors. Future studies on the impact of climate change on dengue need to take all the other contributing factors into consideration in order to make meaningful public policy recommendations.Published versio